Mirena Contraception

What is Mirena?

Mirena is a T-shaped hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) that provides long-term contraception (birth control). It continuously releases a small amount of the hormone progestin in the uterus for about five years.

Progestin thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for the sperm to swim towards the egg and also causes thinning of the endometrium and is toxic to any sperm entering the uterus, thus preventing pregnancy.

Indications for Mirena - Hormonal Intrauterine Device

Mirena is used to prevent pregnancy. It is also prescribed for women with severe menstrual pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, anaemia, fibroids, endometriosis, risk of endometrial cancer or pelvic infection or as part of HRT.

Mirena Insertion Procedure

Mirena is inserted by a qualified gynaecologist or health care provider. Insertion of Mirena is performed within seven days of starting your period. The procedure involves the following steps:

• Your vagina and cervix are cleaned with a mild antiseptic solution.
• Your gynaecologist or healthcare provider may use special instruments to measure the depth and position of the uterus.
• Mirena is carefully placed into the uterus with the help of an applicator tube.
• Your health care provider trims the strings of the Mirena so they protrude beyond the cervix.

After Mirena Insertion

Often you don’t react to the insertion, but you may need to spend some time in the recovery room under observation if you experience dizziness, cramping or nausea. Ideally, a support person should come with you to drive you home.

Care for your Mirena

There is no special care needed. Mirena may rarely fall out or move out of place. You should check for the Mirena strings regularly to confirm their presence in the right place.

Complications with Mirena IUD

Complications are rare; however, during the first few weeks, you may experience cramping, bleeding, mood changes, breast tenderness, headache, and acne, Initially, there is frequent light bleeding, but after 3-6 months, 40% of ladies will not get their periods, 40% will have light bleeding,10% definite periods but lighter and 10%, unfortunately, will have ongoing irregular heavy bleeding.

Removal of Mirena

Mirena is licensed for contraception for five years, so it should be replaced after that period, but it does have contraceptive cover for longer, so Dr Turner may suggest leaving it in for longer in certain circumstances. You must discontinue using Mirena if your doctor suspects:

• Pregnancy
• Cervical cancer
• Severe migraine
• Endometrial cancer
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Pain during sex

Advantages of Mirena IUD

The advantages of using Mirena include:

• Not have to remember to take contraception
• Mirena is low in cost with minimum complications
• Mirena can be reversed within 5 years
• Does not interfere with your normal sex life or breastfeeding
• Minimises the risk of pelvic infection and endometrial cancer
• Effective in women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia, fibroids, and anaemia

Contraindications of Mirena

Mirena is not prescribed by your gynaecologist if you are:

• Suffering from ectopic (tubal) pregnancy or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Suffering from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)